Brazil pushes sanitation reforms: Mato Grosso do Sul aims universal coverage, Sabesp expands post‑privatization

The state of Mato Grosso do Sul presented a study showing that its plan to achieve universal basic sanitation by the end of 2027 could generate up to R$ 82.5 billion in social benefits, with a return of R$ 5.90 for every R$ 1 invested. Governor Eduardo Riedel said, “Hoje é o dia de celebrar… podemos ter orgulho em dizer que Mato Grosso do Sul vai ser o primeiro estado do Brasil a ter o saneamento básico universalizado.”

In São Paulo, the 2024 desestatization of Sabesp has spurred a massive investment programme. The new contract foresees R$ 260 billion in spending through 2060, including R$ 70 billion by 2029 to accelerate universal water and sewage coverage to 99% and 90%, respectively. By 2025, R$ 15.2 billion had been invested, a 120% increase over the previous year, and tariffs for low‑income users were cut by up to 10%. The company now runs about 1,200 concurrent construction fronts and has extended services to an additional 2.1 million people with treated water and 4.3 million with sewage collection.